Advanced Networks-LEIC

T - Theoretical; TP - Theory and practice; PL - Laboratory; S - Seminar; OT - Tutorial.

• Intended learning outcomes

  A student that successfully completes this course unit will be able to:

  1. Show they can plan computer networks including the ones based on wireless technologies.

  2. Describe the limitations imposed by the use of NAT techniques and use mitigation solutions when needed to unlock connectivity.

  3. Project networks using IPv6.taking advantage of the new facilities provided.

  4. Project and implement firewall systems on the most common hardware and software platforms with special focus on the interception model presented by Linux/iptables and derivates.

  5. Understand the forwarding techniques used by MPLS and project basic networks using it.

  6. Remotely monitor and manage networking equipment.

   

• Syllabus

  1. Wireless Networks based on IEEE802.11 and annexes.

  2. Packet filtering and firewall systems based on it.

  3. NAT (Network Address Translation)

  4. The IPv6 protocol

  5. Introduction to MPLS forwarding

  6. Network management functionalities and protocols

• Evidence of the syllabus coherence with the curricular unit’s intended learning outcomes

  Today most of the networking medium are becoming wireless, the student will learn the particularities of wireless networking based on Wi-Fi technologies and how to optimize them do deliver the best service in a secure way. Also, in the security area and the firewalls are introduced in two separate topics, the packet filtering and NAT as basic components. The MPLS is lectured as an overview targeting the students that as option will not attend RA where the topic will be much detailed. Some networking management protocols will be explained, and their use demonstrated and tested on the projects developed.

• Teaching methodologies (including evaluation)

  Theoretical and practical teaching along 30 lectures that correspond to 67.5 contact hours (15 lectures of 3 hours and 15 of 1.5 hours). The total time for student work is 162 hours. The theoretical lectures serve to discuss the topics of the main syllabus, encouraging interactivity and asking questions. The main topics are further explored by performing computer-based projects and the design and implementation of wireless and secure networks through virtualized routers (problem-based learning).

  The learning outcomes are individually assessed through written exam and the evaluation of the report produced from the work done in the lab. Thus, the final grade will be 60% theoretical + 40% practical (NF = 0.6 * T + 0.4 * P).

• Evidence of the teaching methodologies coherence with the curricular unit’s intended learning outcomes

  The objectives of the course unit are achieved through lectures and the support material (slides), by performing laboratory works where students implement the different components necessary for wireless networks and firewalls also exploring NAT and remote management on them. The lab work is accompanied by the teacher during the contact hours to ensure correct knowledge and that the skills of the students are achieved.

• Main Bibliography:

  M. Gast, 802.11 Wireless Networks: The Definitive Guide, 2^nd Edition, O’Reilly, 2005. ISBN 9780596100520

  M. Gast, 802.11n: A Survival Guide: Wi-Fi Above 100Mbps, O’Reilly, 2012. ISBN 9781449312046

  M. Gast, 802.11ac: A Survival Guide: Wi-Fi at Gigabit and Beyond, O’Reilly, 2013. ISBN 9781449343149

  S. Hagen, IPv6 Essentials: Integrating IPv6 into Your IPv4 Network, 3^rd Edition, O’Reilly, 2014. ISBN 9781449319212

  L. Gheorghe, Designing and Implementing Linux Firewalls and QoS using netfilter, iproute2, NAT and L7-filter, PACKT, 2006. ISBN 9781904811657

  L. Ghein, MPLS Fundamentals, Cisco Press, 2006. ISBN 9781587051975